Latest news with #Wildig
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Aaron Wildig: I've got plenty more to give at Gloucester
The former Exiles skipper has joined forces with Dafydd Williams, who left Rodney Parade at the end of last season to become boss at Gloucester. Wildig opted to step away from full-time football in the EFL to drop down to Southern League Premier Division South, with the 33-year-old from Hereford also starting to look towards coaching. The midfielder completed his UEFA A licence with the Football Association of Wales this year and was an assistant for caretaker boss Williams in the final two games of last season following the departure of Nelson Jardim. County acknowledged his value off the field when offering him fresh terms while he is on the comeback trail from ruptured knee ligaments. However, a call from Williams convinced Wildig that the time was right to drop out of the Football League and head for Gloucester. 'I was offered a deal by Newport, which was really respectful of them, but having worked with Daf for the last two years, he dropped me a message and asked if it was something that I would be interested in,' said Wildig, who started his professional career with Cardiff in 2009. 'With a few things going on outside of football, it was something that I fancied coming to have a crack at and I am looking forward to it.' CLASSY: Aaron Wildig was in superb form until injury for County last season (Image: Gareth Everett) Wildig stressed the first part of his job title of player-coach is dominant. 'I am quite passionate about my coaching and in the last few years I have started to look into that side of things,' he said. 'That's something to look forward to but my priority is as a footballer and I still have a lot to give.' Williams has no doubt that Wildig's quality will show in the Southern League, pointing to the flying start the midfielder made to last season before injury. 'To have someone of that experience and calibre represent this club is a huge statement,' said the Welshman, who spent two seasons at Rodney Parade. 'Last year he was stat the best midfielder in League Two until his injury so make no mistake, we have a great player on hour hands. 'Him coming in as player-coach offers his experience, credentials and skill set as a coach, which is something he is keen on further down the line. To provide him with that opportunity is exciting.'
South Wales Argus
22-05-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Newport County reveal their leavers and offer four new deals
Talks are ongoing with the experienced figures with a hope of them agreeing to stay on under a new boss following the departure of Nelson Jardim. The Exiles did the same last season when midfielder Wildig signed new terms but Ryan Delaney, Scot Bennett and Harry Charsley all turned down offers in favour of fresh challenges. Wildig was a hugely influential figure at the start of 2023/24 but ruptured knee ligaments in November and is targeting a summer return. The 33-year-old helped out on the coaching team at the end of the campaign along with 35-year-old centre-back Clarke, who would be a back-up option for the defence if he signs on for a fifth season in Newport. The versatile McLoughlin has been a huge hit since being signed by Graham Coughlan and is comfortable as a full-back, wing-back or midfielder down either flank. The Irishman was also deployed as a makeshift central midfielder when options were limited in the run-in. Goalkeeper Townsend is a County legend and brought up his 200th appearance for the club in March. Without the 30-year-old Antigua & Barbuda international's exploits then the Exiles would have been a lot closer to the relegation fight, or potentially be preparing for National League football. The Exiles are closing in on a new boss - Manchester United U21s coach David Hughes is expected to be appointed - but have been building the squad through owner Huw Jenkins and head of football operations Chris Finn. Deals have been offered to the influential quartet, but Townsend and McLoughlin in particular could have interest from other clubs. GOING: County defender Kyle Jameson (Image: Kian Abdullah/Huw Evans Agency) County have announced their leavers with centre-back Kyle Jameson the most senior player to go after two seasons at the club. Academy graduate Kiban Rai, who spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Merthyr, is another notable player to go after failing to truly push on. Goalkeeper Lewis Webb, defender Josh Seberry, forwards Nathan Wood, Josh Martin and Geoffroy Bony and strikers Hamzad Kargbo and Luke Jephcott also head for the exit. Former Notts County attacking midfielder Martin arrived in January on a contract to the end of the season with an option for an extra year but only showed flashes of his talent. Webb spent the second half of last season as Townsend's back-up after moving ahead of Jacob Carney, who is still under contract, in the pecking order. The writing was on the wall when loan moves were made by Seberry (Weston-super-Mare), Wood (Penybont), Kargbo (Chippenham) and Jephcott (Truro) while Bony was a fringe figure after signing in November. Daniel Barton, who joined last summer but never featured in the senior squad, is also listed as a leaver. The loan quartet of Noah Mawene (Preston), Kieron Evans (Cardiff), Kyle Hudlin (Huddersfield) and David Ajiboye (Peterborough) have gone back to their parent clubs, although the Posh have already announced that winger Ajiboye will leave when his contract expires. Offered deals, with discussions on-going: Shane McLoughlin Nick Townsend James Clarke Aaron Wildig Released players following the expiry of contract: Lewis Webb Kyle Jameson Luke Jephcott Geoffroy Bony Joshua Martin Hamzad Kargbo Kiban Rai Josh Seberry Nathan Wood Daniel Barton Players returning to parent clubs: Noah Mawene Kieron Evans Kyle Hudlin David Ajiboye County players under contract: Jacob Carney, Joe Thomas, Cameron Evans, Matt Baker, Ciaran Brennan, Jaden Warner, Nelson Sanca, Anthony Glennon, Tom Davies, Cameron Antwi, Kai Whitmore, Keenan Patten, Jac Norris, Michael Spellman, Bobby Kamwa, Oliver Greaves, Courtney Baker-Richardson. County academy players offered professional contracts: Moses Alexander-Walker, Riley Lonergan, Sam Watkins, Corey Evans, Morgan Evans.
